France in turmoil ahead of Belgium clash as Kylian Mbappe left stunned by teammate's dressing-room rant
Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe was left stunned by his teammate's rant following their shock defeat to Italy.
France lost 3-1 to Italy last week in what was their first appearance since their crushing Euro 2024 semi-final defeat to Spain.
That's despite taking the lead after just 12 seconds as Bradley Barcola pounced on a mistake before slotting home.
The Italians, however, returned fire with three goals as Federico Dimarco levelled proceedings in the 30th minute.
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In the second-half, Davide Frattesi put his side in the lead before Giacomo Raspadori added a third, prompting fans to take aim at a Premier League star.
After the result, Mike Maignan launched an impassioned rant in the dressing room, silencing Mbappe.
According to French outlet L'Equipe, the rant lasted for two minutes as the goalkeeper ripped into his teammates.
The AC Milan man was left raging with France's attitude in the game and acknowledged that Italy deserved to win the Nations League clash due to their desire.
No one 'dared' to speak after Maignan finished his rant as the likes of Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann sat in silence.
France appear to be in turmoil ahead of resuming their Nations League campaign against Belgium tonight.
When speaking to the media, however, Maignan played down any sort of dressing room unrest.
"What is said in the locker room stays between us," he said. "There no need to worry."
Liverpool star Ibrahima Konate, who started the game alongside Arsenal's William Saliba, added: "If I can summarise what was said, it's that we have individuals who are extraordinary.
"But we have to put these individuals at the service of the collective. With the team we have, we have to scare everyone and today, being beaten 3-1 at home is disappointing. It's sad. Now that's over, we have to show a reaction."
France entered Euro 2024 as one of the tournament favourites but even though they reached the semi-finals, they had an underwhelming campaign.
After failing to score a goal from open play in the group stage, Les Bleus edged past Belgium after an own-goal from Jan Vertonghen before beating Portugal on penalties.
And, as mentioned, they succumbed to eventual winners Spain, losing 2-1.
Topics: Kylian Mbappe, France, Football
Nasir Jabbar